Clear, Kind and Fearless: How Being Honest Helps You Build Influence at Work

This week, Amy is joined by Angharad Ross, executive coach, seasoned commercial leader and self-proclaimed collector of difficult conversations.  Together, they peel back the layers on why honest, clear communication is so essential in the food and retail industry, and why it’s so easy to shy away from it. The duo dig into the neuroscience behind why we avoid “hard chats” (spoiler: your brain is just trying to protect you), how fight or flight responses can turn a cost-benefit discussion into a full-blown emotional event, and how practising these conversations—at work and at home—makes a world of difference. Angharad shares lessons from her years in FMCG, from getting thrown out of a retailer’s office by security to learning how to read the room and know when to hit pause. There’s a lot here for anyone eager to become a better negotiator, influencer, or just a braver communicator in their everyday work. Expect actionable tips: from prepping for meetings with empathy mapping, to using feedback models to open up conversations, to practical role play and visualisation exercises that calm the nerves. Amy and Angharad also discuss the power (and, at times, the dark side) of empathy—how too much can make you put others’ needs miles ahead of your own, and how to find that sweet spot of honesty and mutual respect. The takeaway? To be clear is to be kind. Avoiding tough conversations is a recipe for resentment, confusion, and broken relationships—kindness means being up front, even when you’d rather hide under the duvet. So, if bold conversations make you want to run a mile, join us for this chat. You’ll leave with the tools, mindset, and probably a laugh or two to start tackling the things you’ve been avoiding—at work and at home. Oh, and of course, you’ll find out why commercial people really do get so much practice at “the big chats.”   Timestamps   00:00:53 Introduction to Angharad Ross, her experience in FMCG, and the importance of difficult workplace conversations. 00:04:06 Breaking the myth that only commercial people negotiate (spoiler: everyone does). 00:06:35 Why brains fear tough conversations, plus the neuroscience behind it. 00:08:16 Navigating fear, discomfort, and managing relationships at work. 00:10:31 Reframing that “fight or flight” as a tool to communicate better. 00:12:02 Practical tools: prepping, pausing, planning what to say, and the power of role-play. 00:14:36 The importance of practising discomfort—on and off the job. 00:16:28 Visualisation hacks for folks who hate role-play. 00:18:11 Reading the room: knowing when it’s time to pause a tough chat. 00:20:02 How empathy mapping and prepping with curiosity helps (even if empathy isn’t your default). 00:21:19 Using feedback models to open up honest, non-defensive dialogue. 00:23:40 The dangers of too much empathy: don’t let your needs get lost. 00:25:39 Redefining “negotiation” as collaborative problem-solving. 00:26:43 Brene Brown wisdom: “To be clear is to be kind.” 00:27:43The sweet spot of just enough prep—don’t let nerves or procrastination win! 00:29:54 Key takeaway: Be honest, clear, and kind in every conversation. Links and Resources: Website Link: https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/thefearlessfoodiepod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefearlessfoodiepod You can follow us here on Instagram: @thefearlessfoodiepod Find Amy on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation. Microsearch Laboratories sponsor the Fearless Foodie Podcast https://micro-search.co.uk/